↳ ❝𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙁𝙄𝙁𝙏𝙀𝙀𝙉;❞

❝𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠, 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠
𝙄 𝙖𝙞𝙣'𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛.❞

𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘔𝘦,
𝘕𝘍 & 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵 𝘕𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘦

「𝑵𝑰𝑪𝑶」

𝑰 𝑺𝑨𝑻 𝑶𝑵 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑭𝑳𝑶𝑶𝑹 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑳𝑶𝑶𝑲𝑬𝑫 at the pieces of glass. I looked at the necklace Bella had left me and sighed. I fucked up. Big time. I should have told her. She should have found out from me not find my guns and everything else.

Fuck! I fucked it all up.

I heard the doorbell and deep down there was a slight hope that maybe just maybe Bella came back. I rushed towards the door opening it but I saw Zain instead.

"What are you doing here?" I asked wiping my tears. "You forgot your phone.. what happened bro?" He asked but I just ignored him and grabbed a bottle of whiskey before taking a seat back on the floor.

"Man what the hell happened here?" Zain asked when he saw the glasses on the floor. "Bella found out everything about what I do." I said softly. "What?" I heard Zain say and I nodded taking a sip of my drink.

"H-how?" He asked sitting on the floor. "She found my weapons a few newspapers and shit." I sighed rubbing my forehead. "Nico? What if she turns us at the police?" He suddenly asked. "She would never do that. Bella would never do that. I'm sure. She wouldn't want to ruin our family. But to be honest I rather get reported by her man. Than have her hate me." I whispered.

"Bella doesn't hate you. She's just confused, shocked. Our life is not easy man. It's complicated. We can't have a normal life. A normal family. Get home back to your kids without worrying if they're safe today or tomorrow." He said softly taking the bottle of whiskey from me to take a sip.

"I'm ready to give up this leadership. Everything. I'm ready to drop this lifestyle and run away with her man. To a place she wants." I smiled softly. "Even if you do that you're still a De Luca brother. They won't leave you alone. This is our life man. We can't do anything about it." He sighed and I nodded.

"I can't live without Bella Zain. I need her. I feel a pain right here." I said pointing at my chest. "I don't wanna lose the only person that made me smile that made me happy. That loved me." I added a tear falling down my face.

"I'm gonna go crazy without her man. Please I have to get her back." I said desperate and Zain placed his hands on my shoulders. "Okay okay everything will go fine bro. Breathe. Give her some space okay? She has to think then go see her." He said and I nodded.

"Okay." I wiped my tears with my sleeves and Zain chuckled. "Look at you man. You got old, fell in love. Just yesterday weren't we playing hide and seek at the garden?" He asked and I laughed softly. "Now look at us. Trying to deal with everything life throws us." He muttered.

I couldn't wait. I couldn't stay away from her. I knocked on Bella's door of her apartment and waited for her to answer.

Mike was still keeping an eye on her and told me she was home since yesterday. She never left.

"Issie open the door please please I can't do this without you. I fucking love you. I know you love me back." I said.

"Issie open the door or I swear I'll break it." I said slamming the door with my palm. I saw one of her neighbours and raised an eyebrow. "What? Never seen a man beg for forgiveness?" I mumbled. She gave me a dirty look before walking away. 

Suddenly the door opened and I saw her. She was wearing grey sweatpants and a black hoodie. Her hair in a messy bun. Her eyes red from all the crying. Because of me.

"Go away Nicola. You've caused enough damage. I don't need more in my life." She said and was ready to close the door but I blocked her from doing so. I hated when she called me that. Nicola. I wasn't fucking Nicola to her damn it. I was Nico.

"Bella hear me out." I said walking in. "I heard enough. I saw enough. Now go or—"

"—or what? Are you going to call the police on me? Do it. Do it Bella come on." I said and took my phone out and placed it on her palm. "Call them. I don't care. I'm a prisoner away from you either way." I said softly.

"I thought you trusted me. Do you really think I'm going to call the police on you?" She whispered. "I don't know what to do to make you forgive me." I said and she slammed my phone on my palm. "Nothing Nicola. Okay? I'm never going to forgive you for lying and pretending like you're someone else. You made a fool out of me." She said. 

My eyes caught something out of the glass window. I saw two shooters at the building right across from this and turned at Bella. "BELLA WATCH OUT!" I screamed and pulled her in my arms as we fell on the floor.

Bella screamed covering her ears. "Shshsh I'm here. I'm here." I said kissing her head while bullets flew all over Bella's apartment. They suddenly came to an end and I stood up first.

I helped Bella up and cupped her face checking for any injuries. "Are you okay? Look at me are you okay?" I asked. "I'm fine." She said pulling away from my touch.

"We're getting out of here. Enough with this." I said clenching my jaw. "I'm not going anywhere with you Nicola. I'm staying at Irina's." She said and was about to walk off but I grabbed her elbow. "Bella this is not a game. I'm not going to risk your life. You're coming with me. You're not safe in this building you hear me?" I asked.

She once again pushed me away and looked at me. Her hair falling now down her face. "I'm not going anywhere with you." She said and I nodded. "You're not?" I asked. "No." She said pissed and I nodded again.

"Okay." I said and threw her on my shoulder. "NICOLA!" She hit my back but I ignored her as I made my way towards the elevator.

"Nicola put me down I'm not going anywhere with you." She screamed. "I'm sorry but I'm not going to risk your safety." I said and as fast as the elevator doors opened I walked out.

"WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? Do something he's kidnapping me." Bella said looking at a woman that just kept walking. "Yeah if it's a crime kidnapping your wife let it be." I chuckled.

I put Bella in the car and locked the doors so she won't come out. I walked towards Mike that was standing a little away with Jason.

"Did you see who shoot?" I asked. "Unfortunately bro. But we're going to find out. Don't worry." Mike said and I nodded. "One last thing call someone to fix Bella's apartment." I said and Jason nodded.

I walked towards my car and unlocked the door i rushed in the car then locked it again. "Nicola this is not funny. Let me go now." She said and tried to open the door.

I put her seatbelt on then mine and started driving. "Nicola. Oh my God." She said and pulled her hair in frustration. ''It's not Nicola it's Nico.'' I said.

"Nicola please let me go." She said once again but I kept ignoring her.

When I arrived at my parents house Achilles opened the gates letting me in. I got out of the car and opened the car door for Bella. "Come out." I said. "I'm not going anywhere." She mumbled. "Bella come out." I repeated but she just crossed her arms and stayed in the car.

I nodded and grabbed her elbow pulling her out of the car. "Nico let me go. Nico!" She said trying to get away from my grip. I pulled her in the house and my mother and sisters in law all walked at us since Bella was screaming for me to let her go.

"Nicola what's going on here?" Mum asked but I ignored her as I pulled Bella upstairs. I pulled her in my bedroom and pushed her on my bed softly. "You're staying here and you're not getting out of this room if I don't say so you hear me?" I said pointing at her.

"You can't do that." She said. "If that means you staying alive.. I sure can." I said and walked out of the bedroom locking the door.

"NICO! Nico please open the door please don't leave me here." I heard Bella scream. I closed my eyes and hit my head on the door repeatedly.

"NICO!! I HATE YOU." I heard her cry and I nodded. Hate me. Please hate me.

I made my way downstairs and my mum looked at me. "Nicola what's going on here? Who's that girl why did you lock her?" She asked while the rest of the women waited patiently for an answer.

"SHE IS MY WOMAN. SHE IS THE WOMAN I LOVE. And no one I mean no one is going to unlock the door if I don't allow it. You hear me?" I said pointing at my mother. She gave me a stern look but I didn't care at the moment.

I could still hear Bella hitting the door and I guess everyone else did since Layla and Leilani walked our way. "What happened who's—"

"—uhm girls come on let's go out at the garden huh? Let's get some fresh air." Irene said taking the girls out.

I walked out of the house ignoring my moms calls. I loosen the grip on my tie and got back in my car driving off.

I looked at the damage that was caused at Bella's apartment and sighed. I called people here to fix everything but it was taking a while.

I noticed a bullet and picked it up looking at it. ''Did you find anything?'' I asked even though I knew it was too soon. ''Not yet but it's maybe Castillos men.'' Mike said. ''I'm gonna fucking end those fuckers.'' I clenched my jaw and handed the bullet to Mike.

I left the apartment and drove to where my brothers were at the main club. When I arrived I walked upstairs and got in the office. ''What happened?'' I asked. ''The Rodriguez are trying to get revenge for Antonio Russo. They're helping his family.'' Alexander said causing me to sigh.

''You know what that means? That they will start a whole war against us. Against Sin City.'' Leo said. ''Okay okay we'll fight back. We are going to protect our people. Our families.'' I said. ''Yeah I agree Nico it's just everyones against us.'' Sam said. ''Yeah but we're a family. We have more power.'' I said.

I looked over at Zain that was on his laptop and I raised an eyebrow. ''What is he doing?'' I asked. ''He found some information about the attack at Bella's house. Mike told us so.'' Alexander said and I nodded.

''What did you find Zain?'' I asked and he sighed looking at me. ''Sadly the attack was organised by the Castillos. They were after Bella though... not you.'' He said causing me to clench my jaw and fists. ''What are we gonna do?'' Vince asked.

''I'm gonna go after those bastards. I will fucking make them regret this.'' I said. ''We're gonna help.'' Leo said and I looked at them. They all stood up and looked at me. ''Bella is our family now isn't she?'' Alexander asked. ''How do you know?'' I muttered since Zain was the only one that knew about Bella.

''Zain.'' I sternly said causing him to look at me. ''What? I didn't say anything.'' He said holding his hands up. ''Kind of.'' He added. ''You think we don't notice your behaviour man? Lately you have been happier busier with other stuff than work. And that's a good thing Nico.'' Leo said placing his hand on my shoulder.

''I don't wanna lose her man.'' I said. ''And you won't. As long as you have your brothers we're gonna always be there." Leo added and I smiled softly. "I love you guys." I said. "Is this Nico? Nico De Luca just said I love you?" Alexander said covering his mouth pretending to be shocked.

"Shut up I tell you guys I love you always." I lied. "In your dreams maybe." Sam said. "You look more mature. It's good." Alexander said patting my back.

"Who would have known that the doctor would become our sister in law." Vince chuckled. I smiled and nodded.

I walked home and looked at my mother that had set the table ready for dinner. "Nicola go wash your hands and come here we need to talk." She said causing me to sigh. "I'm not in mood. I'll go check on Bella." I said and walked upstairs ignoring her calling my name.

I unlocked the door to my bedroom and walked in. I saw Bella sitting on the floor her back against the wall hugging her knees. I sighed and closed the door rubbing my forehead stressfully.

I know I shouldn't have locked her here but it's the only way to make her stay in the house and safe. Because I know that she can be stubborn as fuck. 

I walked towards her and kneeled in front of her. "Habibti-"

"-don't call me that." She interrupted looking at me. "Okay I'm sorry, Bella can we talk like two civilized people?" I asked.

"Civilized? You lock me here and leave then come back demanding to talk huh?" She asked and stood up making me do the same. "I'm not your doll Nico. You can't just lock me here force me to stay. You just think I overreacted huh? That I'm a drama queen. You have no idea what I've been through. I had enough of guns in my dads life. Him almost dying. I've almost lost my brother because of that. I'm scared for your life not mine. I can't lose you like that." She cried.

"I had to make you stay in this house and it was the only choice I had. I won't risk your life." I said. "Then why did you get in my life at the first place? Why did you make me fall for you? Why did you try so hard? Why did you show me a good version of yourself only?" She asked hitting her head.

"Bella." I grabbed her hands stopping her from hitting herself. "You hit me right here." She said pointing at her chest. "And I allowed that." She whispered.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry okay? But I couldn't let go. I tried to not get you involved but I couldn't stay away. Because I'm madly in love with you okay? And I can't seem to breathe if you're not in my life. I'm having this fucking pain each time right here." I said hitting my chest harshly.

"I'm leaving." She whispered a tear falling down her face. She was ready to walk out but I stopped her. "I'm sorry Issie. But you can't go." I said softly and walked towards the door. "Nico don't lock the door again please." She said rushing my way.

I closed the door locking it resting my forehead on it. "Nico please unlock the door. NICO! I won't leave I promise just unlock the door please." She screamed causing me to slam my forehead on the door. "I can't. I can't." I said and put the key in my pocket leaving the spare key on the floor before walking downstairs.

"Melanie can you get Bella some food? And lock the door after. I left the spare key on the floor." I said causing her to look at my mum then back at me. "Sure." She said softly causing me to nod. "Thanks." I said but was stopped by a voice.

"She's crying. Why don't you unlock the door?" Layla asked causing me to turn and look at her. "It's for her safety princess okay? Don't worry." I said and with that I walked outside.

I rubbed my face and sighed. "Nico!" I looked up at Jason that was running my way. "What? What happened?" I asked. "There was an attack at one of the clubs. Rodriguez and his men were there." He said causing me to curse under my breath.

I walked in the house to call the rest. "Alexander, guys we're leaving it's urgent." I said and they all stood up and after giving a kiss and a hug to their wives and kids we walked outside.

"What happened?" Leo asked. "The Rodriguez went at one of ours clubs." I said and looked at Jason. "Some of the kids that are there and work got injured. There was also an explosion. They damaged the place pretty bad." Jason said and I pulled my hair in anger.

"I'm gonna fuck those bastards up." Alexander said. "We're gonna go. Now." I said and got in my car. Zain got in with me and I started driving while the rest followed.

I knew exactly where the Rodriguez were now. They were hiding like mouses. But they'll pay for injuring our guys and for destroying our property.

"You okay?" Zain asked. "No. I'm not fucking okay bro." I sighed. "But that's not the point now." I muttered. "Is Bella having a hard time?" He asked softly causing me to nod. "But I can't let her go Zain. As selfish as it is. I can't." I whispered.

We arrived at the place where the Rodriguez were. I got out of my car taking my gun out with Zain following.

The rest also caught up and looked at me. "Are we gonna split?" Alexander asked and I nodded. "Two at each entrance." I said. "Sounds good." Leo said. "Hey.. take care all of you." I said softly. "It's the six of us.. now and till the end." I said.

"Always." They said and walked off. I was left with Zain and walked towards the first entrance holding my gun up for self defense.

"Do you really think someone's here? The place looks empty." Zain stated as we walked further in. "If not them we're definitely going to find something out." I said. "If you say so." He said standing near me with his gun in his hands.

We suddenly heard gunshots and I looked at Zain. "Fuck!" I muttered. "Motherfucking bastards." Zain said and started running as we made our way to where the gunshots were heard.

I saw Diego, one of Adonis son. I tried aiming at him but he noticed me and I had to bend down not to get shoot.

"LEO!!" That scream.. that was Alexander's scream causing me to shut my eyes. "UGHHHHHHHH!!!" I heard Alexander scream and empty his gun.

Silence.

Complete silence after that.

I stood up and walked where Alexander and Leo were. I saw Leo on the ground, blood coming from his chest. Three bullets.

"Leo?" I whispered kneeling down. "Sin City is our home.. a-and Nico is our leader." He said smiling softly making me shake my head. "No no bro hold on okay? We're going at the hospital. B-Bella can save you like she did with me. She will let's go." I said wiping my tears. But it was too late.

Leo had his eyes closed and his hand limped on his side. "Leo?" I said. "Bro." Sam sobbed.

"Leo man come on. Come on man get up. What are we gonna tell mum.. what are we gonna tell Irene, Aiden Layla? Get up man you can't leave." I cried. "LEO GET UP." I screamed and Alexander pulled me in a hug.

"Shshsh it's okay. It's okay bro." He said softly. "Leo is gone. He's gone." I cried.

I can't tell how long I stood there on the ground with Alexander holding me. I looked at Zain that was hugging his knees looking at Leo.

Vince trying to comfort Sam.

"Bro don't go." I whispered. "Don't go brother." I said knowing he was already gone.

I closed my eyes trying to tell myself this was all a nightmare. But it wasn't. Sadly it wasn't.

I made my way towards the front door and knocked on it. Leo's blood was still on my hands and clothes. But I didn't care.

It was the last thing I had in my mind right now.

The door opened making me look up at the person that opened it. My mum.

"Nicola? What happened to you? Are you okay?" She asked cupping my face as fast as she noticed the blood.

"I'm fine." I said softly causing her to look at me then at the rest that were standing behind me.

"W-what happened?" She asked softly. "Mum.. Leo... Leo is gone." I said causing her to pull away from me.

I looked down and walked in the house. I made my way slowly upstairs passing by Aidens room.

Just then Irene walked out of her bedroom. "Huh Nicola finally. Where's Leo did he come?" She asked causing me to close my eyes tightly then open them again. "Uhm no he didn't come." I said softly.

"W-why?" She asked and looked at the blood I had on me. "What happened? Did something happen to him?" She asked worried.

Just then my mum walked towards us. "Come one sweetie we need to talk." She said calmly. Deep down I knew mum wanted to break down but she didn't. She tried to stay strong for us.

She walked in Irenes bedroom and closed the door.

I unlocked the door to my bedroom and walked in closing it behind.

Bella immediately stood up and looked at me. "Nico?" She whispered. "Please hold me." I whispered falling on my knees.

Bella kneeled in front of me cupping my face. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?" She asked softly. "No." I said as she pulled me in her arms holding me. "Leo... he's gone. He's really gone." I cried.

Bella kissed my head and rubbed my back softly trying to calm me down.

Being the only person that could do that at this time.